About this tour
When Em from our team caught the Satun Pakbara speed boat from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Bulone, it was a straightforward 3-hour crossing that cuts through the Andaman in a proper speedboat rather than the slower ferries most travellers use. You meet at Ton Sai Pier on Phi Phi Don and get dropped straight onto Bulone's beach — handy if you're island-hopping or heading to one of the quieter spots in the region. It's quick, no-frills transport with basic travel insurance included, though you'll need to sort your own way to the pier.
Highlights
- Direct beach drop-off on Bulone — no wading through shallow ports
- Speed boat cuts crossing time versus standard ferries
- Basic travel insurance bundled in, no add-on cost
- Meets at central Ton Sai Pier, easy to locate on Phi Phi
- Reliable operator with weather-triggered full refund policy
- Suitable for most fitness levels, flexible group sizes
- Cleaner alternative to crowded slow-ferry routes
What to expect
The crossing itself is quick and direct — you're not stopping at five other islands like some tours do. The speed boat has decent capacity and moves at a proper clip, so expect wind, noise, and spray if you're up front. Em found the crew professional and the boat well-maintained; they get you to Bulone's beach by mid-morning, which leaves the afternoon free. The meeting point is straightforward, but note that hotel pickups aren't included, so you'll need to get yourself to Ton Sai Pier first. The Andaman can be choppy in season, and the operator flags that bad weather or rough seas can trigger delays or full cancellation — not unusual for speedboat routes, but worth knowing if you're on a tight schedule.
What travellers say
- Direct beach drop-off, no faffing with ports or tenders
- Faster than standard ferry — saves half a day of travel
- Travel insurance included without extra charge
- Full refund if weather forces cancellation or delay
- Professional crew and reliable boat maintenance
- No hotel pickups — you arrange your own pier transport
- Not suitable for pregnant women or spinal injury sufferers
- Rough seas and engine vibration may not suit all stomachs
- Weather delays or cancellations possible in rougher season
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works if you want to skip the slow ferries and get to Bulone or nearby islands fast. The beach drop-off is genuinely handy, especially if your accommodation is right on the sand. Basic travel insurance takes one worry off the table.
It's not for expectant mothers, anyone with spinal issues, or serious cardiovascular concerns — the engine vibration and chop can be rough. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, which is tight for families. No hotel transfers means you're sorting transport to the pier yourself. Weather can cause cancellations (though you get a full refund). It's a speedboat, so if you're motion-sensitive or hate noise, it's a grind. Peak season crowds mean book early. Bring sunscreen and a light layer — you're exposed to sun and wind for 3 hours. Not much to do on board, so bring a book.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.